Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in language education but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Nicole Kaup, Founder of English Coach Nicole, located in Seattle, WA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I provide advanced-level oral English language coaching and courses to empower second-language English-speaking professionals to use English comfortably and confidently in any situation. Well-structured, custom-designed programs make the best use of limited time, so goals are achieved quickly. I offer in-person as well as online learning options for individuals, groups, and organizations.
Tell us about yourself
I have taught English as a second or foreign language for about 20 years to adults in all settings: intensive academic programs, community colleges, private businesses, and individuals. In 2012, within a short time, three different people started asking me about accent reduction, so I started developing courses and teaching groups and individuals. I am now an instructional designer, content creator, instructor, private coach, and teacher trainer in English pronunciation and American accent.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
- Four video-based courses.
- Youtube Channel with about 130 videos.
- Being selected to present at the International TESOL conference, Chicago, IL, 2018, “Stress-Free Pronunciation Activities That Get Results.”
- Serving as an English Language Fellow in China for two years for the U.S. Department of State.
- Working with Indonesian broadcast journalists as an English Language Specialist.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Marketing - having to figure it out and do it all myself because the efforts of hired marketers have all failed to produce results and have been very expensive. And I don't enjoy marketing.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- It will take a few years to really get it going. In the meantime, make sure to have enough other cash flow or savings.
- Invest in a dedicated assistant from the beginning to do marketing, tech, and admin functions. It takes time to get seen - start marketing before your product is ready.
- Really understand what your clients want - don't assume; ask them.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://englishcoachnicole.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolekaup/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/EnglishwithAccentCoachNicole
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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